Q: What is 98G?
A: 98G is a finely ground calcitic limestone, usually 99% CaCO₃, mixed with a binder to produce a pellet. The pellets are the same size as fertilizer. Because the CaCO₃ is so pure, and so fine, you can use 300-400 lbs. per acre in place of one ton of ag lime. 98G is the highest quality pelletized limestone in the midwest.   Back to Top

Q: How can 400 lbs. of 98G equate to one ton of ag lime? A: The average particle size of 98G is smaller than 100 mesh. According to Table 1, one ton of 100 mesh lime will cover 199,000 sq. ft or 4.6 acres. The average particle size of ag lime is 20 mesh. Again looking at Table 1, one ton of 20 mesh lime will only cover 36,000 sq ft, or 82.6% of an acre. 100 mesh particles cover 5 times more area than 20 mesh particles. 1 ton is 2000 lbs and 2000 lbs divided by 5 equals 400 lbs. Since SuperCal 98G is made from product that is greater than 100 mesh, it is 5 times more effective than ag lime. In addition to being more effective it works faster. On table 2, notice the fine particle size (which 98G is made from) increased the pH in two weeks (100 mesh curve), whereas that ag llme curve (20-30 mesh) does not do much for 18 months.    Back to Top

Table 1 Source: National Stone Association

Table 2 Source: Miller, R.W. and D.T. Gardiner. Soils in our Environment 8th Ed. p 272

Q: What is limestone?
A: There are two types of limestone. (A) Calcitic, which is CaCO₃ (B) Dolomitic, which is Ca Mg (CO₃).

The addition of magnesium makes the difference in the two types. Using dolomite as an ag lime creates a buildup of magnesium in the soil as plants do not use much magnesium, and the buildup of Mg will create "tight soil". Plants will have a more difficult time growing. Many growers look at a calcium to Mg ratio of 4 to 1. To insure they do not have too much magnesium you can use calcitic lime 98G or gypsum SO₄ to reduce the Mg. Or, better yet, use 98G all the time.    Back to Top

Q: Is calcium the same as lime?
A: Calcium is only part of the formula for calcium carbonate (limestone) and the carbonate is the active part in the reaction to neutralize the acid (low pH) found in soils.

Calcium will seek out and attach to sites on organic and clay particulate in the soil, thereby releasing nutrients that may be tied up there.    Back to Top

Q: How does 98G work?
A: Calcium carbonate will react in the soil to "bind" to hydrogen molecules and form compounds that will disperse in the air or soil and render them unable to affect the pH of that soil. The byproducts of this reaction include carbon dioxide and water.    Back to Top

Q: Can I use more than 400# of 98G if my tests indicate I need more than one ton of ag-lime?
A: We don't advise using more than 500# per application, as calcium carbonate is not very soluble and will move only a very few inches into the soil. If you are using minimum tillage or no-till, that distance can be further reduced. Rather than over correct that shallow depth, we recommend applying more frequently, rather than applying more than 500# in any given application.    Back to Top

Q: What type of cultivation should I use to incorporate 98G?
A: We recommend using the type of tillage that you are finding fits your operation. No variation in tillage is needed.    Back to Top

Q: Can 98G be applied in furrow?
A: Yes. SuperCal is flexible in application methods. We have seen the best response to in furrow or banding when the product is applied in a "T" band over all the product going in furrow. Rates are figured using the normal banding formula.    Back to Top

Q: Can I use 98G in my deep application operation?
A: Yes. We have seen satisfactory response to 98G being deep placed. This can be done with or without accompanying fertilizer (dry only).    Back to Top

Q: Should I use 98G before corn or soybeans?
A: Using 98G before either crop will produce satisfactory results. Most will determine by which crop receives fertilizer application and then applying at the same time or in the same application with the fertilizer. It can be impregnated at that time also. In some extreme situations, we have recommended putting on 400# prior to corn and an additional 200# prior to soybeans to hasten the relief from very low pH's.    Back to Top

Q: How does buffer pH figure in?
A: The buffer pH is an indication of just how much lime will affect the soil pH. A high buffer reading usually indicates not as much correction will be needed if the buffer is low.    Back to Top

Q: Can I apply 98G myself?
A: As 98G can be applied by any normal fertilizer equipment, it is possible for you to apply this product by yourself. It is, however, recommended you follow your dealer's recommendations, and often they are better equipped to apply this material along with your fertilizer, especially if you are considering the use of variable rate technology.    Back to Top

Q: What should I expect to pay for 98G?
A: Around the plant (Gilmore City, Iowa), $7.00 per 100 lbs. is a ballpark figure. As you get further away, the freight will increase the price.    Back to Top

Q: At what pH should I consider liming?
A: Low pH creates two issues. First, is relative % yield.

So, at a pH of 5.7 you will lose 17% of a 200bu./acre anticipated yield, 20% on beans and 58% of an alfalfa crop.

Second, your fertilizer inputs are limited by pH.

The bar graph represents the % that the nutrient is available to the plant at various pH's.    Back to Top

Q: Does it really work? You decide.
A: The following charts show a customer's test plot comparing 1999 and 2004. During this time, the customer applied SuperCal 98G twice. No potassium or phosphorous was added. Note the pH improvement and increase in phosphorous as well as maintaining the potassium level.

1999		2004
Click on an image above to see detail.

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